Trains powered by electricity are expected to begin operations in Tripura by February, following the completion of a significant electrification project in the northeastern state, officials announced on Monday (January 6). Currently, the state relies on diesel-powered train engines.
The Rs 46-crore project, initiated in 2022, will integrate Tripura into the national railway grid.
Electrification work completed
The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) is preparing to supply power to the railway electric transmission line in the state by February, according to officials. The North Eastern Railways (NFR) has already completed electrification work from Badarpur to Agartala via Dharmanagar.
“We had undertaken work for the erection of three traction power substations – Kumarghat in Unakoti district, Teliamura in Khowai district, and Udaipur in Gomati district. The erection of the Kumarghat substation was completed in March last year,” said Nirupam Guha, Assistant General Manager (Transmission) of TSECL.
He added that the substation at Udaipur is on track for completion this month, while the Teliamura substation will be ready by February.
“After the completion of the three traction substations, the TSECL will be ready in all respects to energise the railway electric transmission line from Dharmanagar to Agartala and elsewhere,” Guha noted.
Railways requests daily 5 MW power
The Railways has requested 5 MW of power for each substation daily, with the potential for additional supply if needed.
“We are confident once this project is completed, more advanced and faster trains will be introduced in the northeastern state. It will play a crucial role in boosting infrastructure and the economic growth of the state,” Guha remarked.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, confirmed that electrification from Badarpur to Agartala via Dharmanagar has been completed, except for the hilly Lumding-Badarpur section.
“Steps have been taken to complete the electrification work from Lumding to Agartala as early as possible,” he stated.